I am currently using OPG with G for phonics, then we use ETC and Word Families for review.

I really would like to have something that is laid out for me (scheduled) so I am looking at WP LA K but today when I was reading about it, I am not sure that I like the way they introduce things. So now I am back to square one again.

Is there a program out there that using something similar to OPG for K level language arts?

I would love something that scheduled OPG, then some other workbooks readers to go along with it. Both of my boys love workbooks as long as they are fun and they love the ETC workbooks so I want to continue to use them.

I am wondering if I should just make up a schedule on my own but I am afraid I will leave something out.

TIA

What lesson are you on in OPG? Once you're about halfway through, the authors recommend starting First Language Lessons, which we love.

I have FLL too. I love the program, I think my problem is that I really want some type of Instructors Guide that combines OPG with ETC or other workbooks.

I am really questioning my use of WP LA right now at this point. But I know I want something that is scheduled for me with additional readers. I have WP LA1 coming for next year with the AS 1 readers. I was planning on buying the additional things for LA1 and use that but now I am second guessing myself!

DH says I am driving him batty because I am doing this with everything right now not just curriculum.

I am wondering if I should just look at OPG and FLL and see what workbooks I want to use and try setting up my own schedule. For some reason I am very indecisive at this moment.

This isn't about K, but about the WP LA 1... I think I am going to use the ETC 6 and Right into Reading books they recommend, along with the FLL. I'm debating buying the LA IG, for the spelling and the schedule. I may just skip that.

For some reason I am like you, Robin, I'm not so sure about the WP approach for K. I used Pathway Readers' Learning Through Sounds for phonics with J this year. I wouldn't characterize those workbooks as "fun" like the ETC appear to be, but they are simple and easy. They do the job well.

Jennifer, I haven't looked at Pathway phonics but we do use the Pathway readers for extra practice and I really like them. I don't think I would like introducing all the sounds a letter makes at one time. That is what is confusing to me but it is hard to tell without looking at the IG and seeing exactly what they do.

My eyes are about to fall out tonight because I have been trying to come up with a plan to use OPG with ETC and maybe adding in Word Families. It is crazy!

That is the part that seems weird to me too. It must work ok since so many people like it, it is just not what I am used to.

Can't you just do for E what you did for G? Or is there just a big difference in kids and so you want to do things differently this time around? Or am I mistaken and the phonics K is for G?

What lesson are you on in OPG? Once you're about halfway through, the authors recommend starting First Language Lessons, which we love.


Really? We're getting close to the halfway point with OPG, will probably be there sometime around the first of next month. I had planned to go with FLL next year for 1st, but now I'm undecided.

The longer I mull over this, the more I want everything in a box, LOL. It's driving me nuts!

Robin, it is not unusual to second guess yourself. I don't don't no how many times I wondered if I was covering everything. Believe me you are, the question is if it is working for you. The curriculum you are using covers everything you need. I personally love explode the code. Every time I have tried something else, I have always come back to ETC. I also like Phonics Pathways. I had OPGTR and honestly both phonics pathways and OPGTR are similar in how they approach phonics. The only difference is that OPGTR is more scripted. If your child is not getting something, just keep going over it till they do. You are doing a great job, and don't worry about missing something. They will get it in one way or another.

I think the authors feel that once the child is at that point with phonics, they are able to understand FLL. However, FLL is a 2 year program. So, if you started it now, you would still be able to do it for first. I wouldn't worry about starting it right now if you don't think your child is ready. We use ETC and OPGTTR with my 4 year old, and she listens in on her brother's FLL work. I'm planning on restarting the book with her anyway, but it will be a lot of review when we reach that point.
Trust me, even with an all-in-one curriculum you'd still second guess yourself. I'm forever modifying and adjusting depending on the child, our family situation, etc.

Really? We're getting close to the halfway point with OPG, will probably be there sometime around the first of next month. I had planned to go with FLL next year for 1st, but now I'm undecided.

The longer I mull over this, the more I want everything in a box, LOL. It's driving me nuts!

That is the part that seems weird to me too. It must work ok since so many people like it, it is just not what I am used to.

Can't you just do for E what you did for G? Or is there just a big difference in kids and so you want to do things differently this time around? Or am I mistaken and the phonics K is for G?

The la K would be for E next year. I was planning to get LA1 for G but now I am questioning that as well. I have already bought the IG used and I think I will look at it when it comes in and I can decide what I want to do.

I just wanted something a little more structured, since I don't think we have done enough with G this year. I think the structure would be more for me than for him.

But I just can't wrap my mind around learning all the sounds of the letters at one time. I don't know what that seems strange to me but it does.

Now I am wondering about skipping LA K and getting the advanced instead and using OPG until we get to a point where we could go to the LA adv K. Does that make sense?

Oh well off to study the catalogs again.

Makes total sense, especially since the Adv K uses ETC 1,2,3. Did you see someone is selling the Adv K La on the Winterpromise FS board today?

Jennifer I just emailed her, I am buying some other things from her so I am going to try to get the Adv K too.

I am working on a doable plan, but of course it is subject to change.:lol:

I like the looks of the 1st grade LA... Now they say possibly there will be one to correspond with the Geography theme. So I am thinking, what will I do when I want to use the LA1 with Andrew? Because we would be on a different theme. Decisions, decisions. I wonder if they will offer an upgrade or "adaptation" to the IG for people in those situations. The logistics of planning this type of curriculum (integrated with theme and LA for several themes) boggle my mind. I'm glad it is Winterpromise making the plan, not me.:lol: